SYDNEY, NSW – Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory, the content, communication, marketing and partnerships firm created by industry leader Francis Coady, has been appointed to advise renowned clinical psychologist Michael Hawton and his team at Parentshop for the launch of the Student Anxiety Summit and the national rollout of The Anxiety Project, including corporate partnership engagement.
In association with the Primary Principals’ Association of NSW (NSWPPA), the Student Anxiety Summit will be held on 27 February 2026 at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre in Surry Hills. The Summit will bring together school leaders, psychologists and allied health professionals to examine the drivers of rising student anxiety and to identify practical, system-level responses. This landmark event aims to address the rising prevalence of childhood anxiety – a critical issue reported as a significant concern by 81% of primary school principals.
Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory will also lead strategy across content, marketing communications, and corporate partnerships for the national rollout of The Anxiety Project in primary schools from years K-6. The Anxiety Project is an evidence-informed, school-based approach designed to build the capacity of educators and parents to respond to anxious behaviour in ways that reduce reinforcement and support the development of student confidence and coping skills.
Michael Hawton, Founder of Parentshop, expressed his confidence in the new partnership: “I am incredibly impressed with Francis Coady and his team’s ability to apply the principles of entertainment to content, marketing and communication. By integrating high-level storytelling and a sophisticated corporate partnership approach, they are helping us transform a clinical necessity into an engaging national movement.”
Mr Rob Walker, Principal, NSWPPA Project Lead, The Anxiety Project, said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the way Francis and his team approach communication and partnership building. Schools need solutions that are not only evidence-informed, but also communicated clearly and implemented at scale. Grand Pacific’s support will help ensure The Anxiety Project and the Student Anxiety Summit reach school communities in a way that is practical, accessible and impactful.”
Francis Coady, CEO of Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory, emphasised the personal and professional importance of the project: “This project is very close to my heart, particularly as I have a young child in this cohort. My team is committed to harnessing the power of entertainment to help ensure The Anxiety Project reaches every school in the country, providing essential support for the next generation of students and their families.”
The collaboration will focus on engaging the corporate sector to support the large-scale population change required to “turn the tide” on student anxiety. Following the summit, the national rollout will focus on the continued implementation of evidence-based strategies in primary schools to foster long-term mental well-being.
